The Best Lightweight Vacuum Reviews for 2018

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Lightweight vacuums might seem to be underpowered at first glimpse, but thanks to modern technology that is far from true today. Vacuum cleaners can weigh less than 10 pounds and deliver a consistent clean every single time. Some handheld models even weigh less than 3 pounds, yet can quickly remove pet hair better than some uprights or canister vacuums. If you need a vacuum cleaner that is strong and portable, then this is the guide for you.

The Best Chart for Lightweight Vacuums 

Are you looking for a lightweight vacuum cleaner that performs like a heavyweight? Then this is the chart for you. Quickly compare makes and models to find the best features and then read up on your preferred models with our comprehensive reviews.

PictureNameOur RatingPrice
PictureNameOur RatingPrice
Shark Rocket DeluxePro Ultra-Light Upright4.6$$$$$
Shark Rocket Ultralight Upright4.4$$$$
Hoover Corded Cyclonic Stick Vacuum4.4$$
Eureka Easy Clean 2 in 1 Lightweight Vacuum4.2$
Dirt Devil Quick Lite Plus Bagless Upright Vacuum3.9$
Dirt Devil Simpli-Stik Lightweight Corded Bagless Stick Vacuum4.0$
BISSELL BOLT 2-in-1 Lightweight Cordless Vacuum4.1$$
Hoover Linx Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner4.4$$$
Bissell 3106 Featherweight4.0$
Eureka AirSpeed 2-in-1 Stick and Handheld Vacuum4.1$

Why Choose Lightweight Vacuums? 

For some homes, the weight of the vacuum doesn’t really matter. These are usually single story homes where lifting the vacuum happens rarely, if ever. For multi-story homes, however, a lightweight vacuum cleaner makes it easier to clean both sets of floors without placing strain on the arms or the back. In return, a clean home happens.

Some of the past vacuum cleaners could weigh a lot. It was not unusual 20-30 years ago for a vacuum cleaner to weigh between 30-40 pounds. Even if you could manage the weight, the awkward designs of those earlier models made it virtually impossible to carry the vacuum up a flight of steps. If you had carpeted steps to clean, you’d look for hose extensions so you wouldn’t have to lift the vacuum.

Times have definitely changed. Even uprights can be effectively used for cleaning stairs today. There is more suction power in the modern vacuum cleaner thanks to cyclonic technology. The end result is a powerful vacuum that can be found at every price point so no household budgets need to take a hit just so a clean home can be maintained.

What Are the Features of Lightweight Vacuums? 

Lightweight vacuums don’t alter their features in order to reduce weight. They instead change how the body of the vacuum cleaner has been constructed. If you want a pet hair vacuum, a portable handheld vacuum, or a cordless vacuum that charges in 4 hours or less, you’ll be able to find what you need. The lack of weight comes from plastic components being substituted for metal components.

If it is plastic, won’t the durability be affected? There is a misconception that plastics today can’t stand up to consistent use. In the past, a metal vacuum cleaner may have been preferred because it could be used on virtually every surface and maintain the cleanest home possible. The rigid durability of the modern plastic manufacturing process does the same thing today. Will plastic crack on you if exposed to extreme elements? Sure. Are you really going to store a vacuum cleaner in below zero temperatures? Not likely, right? 

Many lightweight vacuums also come with a bagless feature to remove the need for replacement bags. This keeps ongoing maintenance costs down for every household. Look for filters that are washable to enhance this experience so that the only real cost is the cost of the initial price. 

Are There Any Issues in Using a Lightweight Vacuum? 

Almost all lightweight vacuums function properly and have zero dirty air kickback that occurs while they are working. The issue that tends to come up the most is one of overuse more than anything. Households that are used to heavy duty vacuum cleaners that can survive a fall down a stairs or have hoses that could be stabbed with scissors and not leave a hole are going to be in for a rude awakening. If you treat these vacuum cleaners right, they can last for years. If they’re abused, they will break down in a few months. 

Many of these vacuums are not designed to be used every day. If you need daily vacuuming, look for lightweight models that offer automatic heat shutoffs to protect your investment. 

How Can I Find the Best Lightweight Vacuums? 

Information is the resource that is most valuable today. You’ll find all of the information you need on lightweight vacuums right here. From our comprehensive reviews on the various makes and models that are available on the market today to helpful guides that can help every house maintain a cleaner home, you will find this site to be a one-stop resource for finding a new vacuum cleaner. 

The design of your lightweight vacuum should also match up to the design of your home. If you have hardwood flooring downstairs and medium-pile carpeting upstairs, then you’ll need to purchase a vacuum that can properly clean both floors. If you have area rugs on your hardwood flooring, then you’ll need the vacuum to handle that surface as well – unless you like taking your rugs outside to beat them with a broom. 

You’ll also want to consider space usage in your evaluation process. Homes that have open spaces with little furniture can make-do with the lawn-mower style vacuum cleaner head that works in vertical and horizontal motions. Unique architecture or having rooms filled with furniture benefit more from lightweight vacuums that have flexible steering options. 

What Are the Prices of Lightweight Vacuum Cleaners Today? 

You’ll find lightweight vacuum cleaners at every price point on Amazon today. This means there is some good news: everyone who wants a new vacuum cleaner that doesn’t weigh a ton will be able to find one. It also means that there are some vacuums that have a number of incredible features on them, including self-propelled motion, HEPA filtration, or advanced suction generation. 

The price points top out around the $650 mark for a top of the line vacuum cleaner. Handheld models that are lightweight begin at the $20 price point. For a whole home vacuum, most households are going to be able to find one that meets their needs for around $150-$200 in most instances. 

What Do Our Reviews Have To Say? 

Dirt Devil Simpli-Stik

Is this a whole home solution for dirty carpets? It could be for a smaller home, but the size would probably negate it being the primary vacuum cleaner for most users. Instead of carrying the bulky vacuum around the house to clean the rugs or a dry goods spill, break out the Dirt Devil Simpli-Stik and the mess will get cleaned up quickly. The on-board crevice tool is perfect for ledges, shelves, and window/door frames too. 

Click here to look at the price on Amazon and find a great deal.

Shark Rocket DeluxePro

One of the benefits of investing into this particular vacuum cleaner is the fact that it is supposed to never lose suction. Part of the reason for this is the fact that it has double the capacity of most other stick upright vacuums that are portable. The other part of this is the fact that the suction power is already higher than most other vacuums. When full, the Shark Rocket will still have more power and suction than the average stick vac.

Click here to look at the price on Amazon and find a great deal.

Bissell Bolt

This lightweight vacuum cleaner offers a cordless experience that has superior levels of suction. The two-way folding handle makes using this vacuum easy in even tough spaces. Edge bristles help this vacuum clean edges and corners very effectively. The steering rotates up to 180 degrees and the entire unit is covered by a 1 year limited warranty. It’s powered by a 12v battery, so users receive about 15 minutes of power per charge. For smaller homes, this could be the perfect affordable vacuuming option.

Click here to look at the price on Amazon and find a great deal.

Eureka AirSpeed 2-in-1

This unique lightweight vacuum cleaner offers a low profile nozzle and on-board crevice tool that makes it a lot easier to get work done around the home. AirSpeed technology gives this vacuum a consistent level of suction so that debris comes up the first time. It can be used as a handheld vacuum or as a stick vac for added versatility. The filters can get dirty fast and clog up on users, but they’re also washable, so the problem is easy to fix. For a $25 price point, it’s tough to argue about the value of this little masterpiece.

Click here to look at the price on Amazon and find a great deal.

Shark Rocket Ultralight

This lightweight vacuum cleaner might just be the best one in its class. It never loses suction or power, even though it is cordless, which means you can keep vacuuming until you’re done. It offers floor to ceiling cleaning versatility thanks to its swivel steering. The brush can be shut off as well so that it cleans bare floors just as effectively as it deep cleans a carpet. There’s even a detail kit that comes with this particular model. It is the best whole home solution for lightweight vacuuming that is on the market right now.

Click here to look at the price on Amazon and find a great deal.

Are you tired of the workout that vacuuming requires? These lightweight vacuums provide a viable solution that will still keep your home clean. Use our reviews and this guide to find the best vacuum cleaner that meets your needs and then take a load off your shoulders – literally.